Preserving Stories, Honoring Service: The Mission Behind Remember and Honor

What began as a man’s interest in history has grown into a meaningful mission to preserve the stories of Northern Colorado veterans for generations to come.

Through Remember and Honor, more than 600 local veterans have had the opportunity to tell their stories, preserve their experiences for their families, and ensure an important piece of history isn’t lost.

This week, we’re excited to highlight the story behind Brad Hoopes and his non-profit Remember and Honor, the impact these interviews have had on veterans and their loved ones, and the value of preserving history through the voices of those who lived it.

From an Idea to a Career

The journey began after studying business at Colorado State University. 20 years later after reading an article about a program interviewing veterans to preserve and share their stories, an idea took hold: why not do something similar for veterans here in Northern Colorado?  What started as a side hobby became an opportunity to sit down with local veterans, listen to their experiences, and create a lasting record to share with their families.  Remember and Honor fully came to fruition in 2006, following a move back to Colorado from Boston. But one particular interview ultimately transformed the project from a passion into a career.

The Interview That Changed Everything

After interviewing a World War II veteran, the veteran’s wife made an unexpected phone call.  She called to say thank you and shared something incredibly meaningful: after more than 60 years, her husband had finally been able to tell his story — and afterward, he was able to sleep through the night.  That moment revealed just how powerful these conversations could be.  Remember and Honor was no longer simply about recording history. It was about giving veterans the space to tell their stories in their own words and creating something their families could hold onto for generations.  It became clear that this work deserved to be more than a hobby.

Remembering and Honoring Every Story

The name Remember and Honor reflects the heart of the mission.  Each interview gives a veteran the opportunity to preserve their story in a permanent record so their experiences and legacy are never forgotten. While the primary purpose is to create something meaningful for veterans and their families, the stories can reach even further.  With permission, interviews may be shared on YouTube and stories submitted to the Library of Congress, helping preserve these firsthand accounts as part of a much larger historical record.  And while a career built around interviewing veterans may not have always been the exact plan, the connection makes sense. A lifelong fascination with history once made a future as a teacher or history buff seem likely. Remember and Honor became another way to pursue that passion — by learning directly from the people who experienced history themselves.

Finding a Home at desk chair

The introduction to desk chair workspace came through word of mouth from the one and only Jim Doherty.  Coworking offered the practical benefits of a workspace with convenient amenities, but it was the less tangible benefits that made the biggest impression: the relationships, connections, energy, and atmosphere that come from working alongside others.  The vibe of the building quickly became a favorite part of the experience.  But ultimately, it’s the people who make desk chair special. From the hard-working staff to the wide variety of members who call the building their work home, the relationships and experiences created here are truly one-of-a-kind.

Life Outside the Office

When not interviewing veterans and preserving their stories, you’ll often find this history enthusiast enjoying Colorado’s outdoors, especially hiking in the mountains.  Other favorite ways to spend time include reading, watching historical and political documentaries, traveling, tackling DIY projects, and working out at Chuze Fitness.  And when it comes to supporting local, narrowing the list down to just one favorite is nearly impossible. The businesses along 4th Street and throughout downtown Loveland are frequent stops and an important part of what makes the community special.  Given the opportunity to sit down for dinner or a drink with anyone in history, the choice would be Ulysses S. Grant — an individual whose life, leadership, and experiences would make for a fascinating conversation.  Perhaps it’s no surprise that even the dream dinner guest comes with a story worth hearing.

More Than 600 Stories — and Counting

As of summer 2026, Remember and Honor has interviewed more than 600 Northern Colorado veterans, creating an extraordinary collection of firsthand stories and memories.  Behind that number are hundreds of individuals, families, experiences, and pieces of history that now have a greater chance of being remembered for generations.  And the work isn’t finished.

If you are a veteran — or have a veteran in your life whose story deserves to be preserved — Remember and Honor would be honored to hear it.

To learn more or inquire about sharing a veteran’s story, visit: